Do I Need a Formal Dining Room, or Is It a Waste of Space?
When my husband and I were purchasing our first home, my mother-in-law asked me whether or not I would miss having a formal dining room. Considering it was just the two of us then, the answer was a resounding “No!” After all, I was not about to host grand dinner parties or family gatherings, and we had plenty of family to visit for holidays and celebrations. And unfortunately, our budget did not stretch to a large enough home to include a separate dining room.
Fast-forward six years, and my answer may have changed. Now, with two kids, we’re much more likely to host family gatherings, and having a large, separate area would be a dream. Many of our readers and contributors agree with me, while others find that a larger kitchen serves the same function with more connectivity (jjonesdesignco.com/blogs/the-great-debate-open-concept-vs-traditional-floor-plans). If you’re unsure where your opinion lies, read on for the best advice and insights our readers can offer. You may find you end up changing your mind after seeing what they have to say!